HOME > COMMUNITY > ON THE TOWN
By: VAN GOWER
COMMENTS |
| 
Georgia Equality, the state’s
gay advocacy organization, recognizes political and corporate leaders who work to advance gay rights at its 2nd annual “Evening for Equality” on Aug. 27.
The event combines the organization’s original Evening for Equality event with its former Political Animal Awards, and adds the newly created Workplace Equality Awards.
Georgia Equality is combining the events “because we feel it is important to bring together the political and business supporters in one event and recognize them for their achievements,” says Chuck Bowen, Georgia Equality executive director.
The event also features a silent auction. Items donated to help raise money for the group’s efforts include books autographed by gay humorist David Sedaris, “Broadway in Atlanta” ticket packages, vacations, art and gift certificates.
Georgia Equality will premiere its new television ad supporting the organization’s current “We Are Your Neighbors” billboard campaign at the event.
Keynote messages by Andrew McDonald, chair of the Connecticut Senate Judiciary Committee, and Mike Lawlor, chair of the Connecticut House Judiciary Committee, are also planned. Both men led the successful fight for passage of a law signed in April that recognizes civil unions in that state.
The 2005 Political Animal Awards honor individuals and organizations that actively support gay causes. Rev. Kenneth L. Samuel, founder and pastor of Stone Mountain’s Victory for the World Church, receives the “Giraffe Award” for keeping “his head high in pursuing equality,” according to the Georgia Equality Web site.
Lesbian Decatur City Commissioner Kecia Cunningham gets the “Cheetah Award” for being a “strong and powerful force” in the fight for equality.
“I’m thrilled for the recognition, but I’m also reminded how far we still have to battle for equality,” Cunningham says.
The “Queen of the Jungle” award goes to Just Equal, formerly Northeast Georgians Against Discrimination, for spearheading a campaign mobilizing Clarke County residents against Amendment One, Georgia’s statewide marriage ban that voters passed last year.
The inaugural Equality in the Workplace Awards go to Atlanta businesses that extend their gay employees the same rights as straight employees.
“We felt it was time to recognize Georgia companies who have showed courage in taking steps towards equality for their LGBT employees,” Bowen says. “It also represents a step towards my comment when I first arrived here: ‘Change will occur in the boardrooms and committee rooms in this state.’”
Midtown restaurant Einstein’s is set to receive the “Courageous Leadership Award” for its contributions to gay causes and its popularity among gay diners. Atlanta law firm Alston & Bird, LLC is scheduled to receive the “Distinguished Voice Award” for challenging the infringement of individual rights, according to Georgia Equality.
“Alston & Bird is very honored to receive this award from Georgia Equality, and I’m very proud of [our] leadership in corporate GLBT issues,” says Lawrie Demorest, a lesbian attorney with Alston & Bird.
United Parcel Service and Home Depot are set to receive “Corporate Equality Achievement” awards for their roles in fostering workplace equality.
Combined attendance at last year’s separate Political Animal Awards and Evening for Equality events was about 300. The Political Animal Awards garnered no proceeds, but the Evening for Equality raised some $15,000, according to Bowen.
Georgia Equality anticipates about 250 people at this year’s event, he adds.
Proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction benefit the Equality Foundation of Georgia, Inc., the non-profit arm of Georgia Equality that also sponsors the “We Are Your Neighbors” campaign. This year’s fund raising goal is $30,000.
| 
